World table grape production is forecast to jump, rising 1.0 million tons to 21.9 million as China’s strong growth continues and Turkey’s production recovers. Global trade is forecast up on China’s higher shipments to Asian markets and as import growth doubles.
China
The production in China is forecast to jump 600,000 tons to 10.2 million on yields from higher growing area. Exports are anticipated to surge over 50 percent to 350,000 tons as increased supplies and lower prices boost shipments to Asian markets, especially Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Imports are projected to maintain their upward trend, rising 20 percent to 300,000 tons as unwavering strong demand continues to drive shipments from top suppliers Chile, Peru, and the United States.
Turkey
Turkey’s production is forecast to bounce back from last year’s frost-affected crop, rising 345,000 tons to 2.4 million. Russia continues its ban on Turkish table grapes, yet exports are expected to rise 50,000 tons to 225,000 on rejuvenated supplies and higher shipments to Belarus, Ukraine, and Georgia.
Europe
The production in the EU is expected to slip 61,000 tons to 1.7 million as decreasing acreage throughout the EU is exacerbated by adverse weather in top producers Italy and Greece. Exports are forecast to contract slightly to 84,000 tons as production losses are reflected in lower shipments to Belarus and Norway. Imports are forecast flat at 610,000 tons.
United States
Production is forecast to bounce back to near the 2013/14 record, rising 60,000 tons to 1.0 million tons as vineyards recover from previous years’ adverse growing conditions. Exports are forecast up 37,000 tons to 365,000 on higher production and improved shipments to Asian markets. Imports are slated to rise 15,000 tons to 545,000 as consumption continues to grow and as domestic supplies are augmented by higher deliveries from Chile.
Russia
Production is forecast to rise slightly to 103,000 tons as higher yields offset declining acreage in Russia. Imports are projected to decline further, dropping 25,000 tons to 230,000 as Russia continues to ban table grapes from top supplier Turkey.
South America
Chile’s production is forecast up 42,000 tons to 910,000 on abundant chill hours, warm spring temperatures, and good water supplies. Exports are expected to parallel production, rising 42,000 tons to 730,000 on higher shipments to top markets United States and China.
Production in Peru is anticipated to jump 65,000 tons to 605,000 on higher yields in maturing vineyards and as new plantings come into production. Exports, averaging 60 percent of production the last 3 years, are forecast to improve to 370,000 tons as greater exportable supplies lead to higher shipments to the EU and the United States. Continued export growth sustains Peru’s position as the world’s second-largest exporter after Chile.
Argentina’s production continues to plummet, dropping 20,000 tons to 40,000 as a late frost damaged vineyards and as continued high costs drive producers to grow wine and raisin grapes. Exports are expected to continue their downward trend, cut 3,000 tons to 8,000, and down sharply (nearly 90 percent) since their peak in 2006/07.
source: usda.gov